We have had 2-3 weeks of beautiful sunny weather, so a couple of days of rain isn't so bad. I didn't ride yesterday, because I don't like the sound of the pouring rain on the arena roof - that sounds kind of silly, I know. A light rain isn't a problem, it can actually sound quite nice.
I forgot my rain boots (aren't these ones with the horses cute?) and as I went out to bring Rusty in to be groomed, I noticed that he was tucked in his shelter on the opposite side of the field. The field is super muddy and I really didn't want to slop all the way out to get him. He usually comes when he is called, so I was hoping that was the case yesterday. Sure enough, after calling him a few times, he came over the the fence. Good boy Rusty! I was very pleased with myself that I wouldn't get soaked and muddy. Hah - that'll teach me! I let Rusty into the sand riding ring so I didn't have to halter him in the field. The brat walked over the where the remnants of an old round bale we sitting next to a giant deep puddle.
Can you see where this is going?
My clever scheme was foiled. Every time I went to grab Rusty from the hay, he would turn and stand in the middle of this giant puddle! I would try and shoo him out, but he just ignored the lead line whacking that big butt of his!! What a brat. After a few minutes of this, I was soaked already from the rain, so I just waded in to get him. My boots held up to the water, but my pants were soaked almost to the knee! What a rotten horse!
I was definitely not in the mood to do much after that, so he got a quick grooming and was tucked into his dry stall with some hay. I may have caved and given him a few peppermints as well. I should really try and get a video of him eating mints - he crunches them and then sucks on his tongue - I'm not sure if they make his tongue tingle, or what, but it sure is funny. He closes his eyes, lets his ears get all floppy and has his tongue sticking out while he makes a funny sucking noise.
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The other boarder at the barn is thinking of breeding her pinto mare. She has picked out a few APHA studs locally, but doesn't know anything about bloodlines or show records. I'm no expert, but thanks to all of the posts from my wonderful fellow bloggers, I have been able to explain a lot of stuff to her. I was able to help her develop a bunch of questions to ask the breeders, so I hope that has helped her a bit. I gave her a bunch of my old APHA journals and showed her how to use allbreedpedigree.com - she hadn't heard of the web site.
I would really love to have a nice mare some day that I could breed. I think training a foal would be just so interesting. I'm sure someday I'll get to this, it is on my bucket list. Maybe when I am closer to retirement I'll have more time (and money...) to devote to that endeavour.
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This post is all over the place - sorry... It just seems that I need to get all of this stuff out of my head! Putting it down in the blog is a great way to help my overcluttered brain sort things out.
OK - this section is where I could use some help from readers:
We are planning two trips to the US this year, both on the East coast (no West Coast for us this year...).
The first trip will be in late May and we are planning to go to NYC for our 10th anniversary! We will probably be driving, since it is only 8-10 hours away. We were thinking of spending 3-4 days in the city itself and then driving home via Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine. I somehow haven't visited those three states yet, so it'll be fun to check them off my list! Does anyone have any suggestions on places to go/visit and of course, any good tack shops ???? My hubby has agreed to stop at tack shops, so I don't want to miss that opportunity!
The second trip will be in September. The hubby is in the World Duathlon (run-bike-run) championships (in his age group, he isn't a pro athlete) and it is being held in Concord, North Carolina. We are thinking of driving down - it will probably take 1.5 - 2 days to get there if we take our time. I'm not sure if we will have extra time to tour around or not, but any tips again on tack shops, outlet malls or cool places to visit would be greatly appreciated!!!
Well, my lunch break is over, better get back to work!
8 comments:
Rusty sounds like he was being cute but frustrating. He sure likes his peppermints.
I don't really have any good info on tack shops around NYC because I've never actually shopped for tack there, but there is a place here in Ct. I believe it's in New Canaan and is called Bevels. They have nice stuff but they are really expensive and the sales girls are all how shall I put this...just there for show. If you really need a question answered you're out of luck on anything you don't already know. Have fun on your trips anyway.
haha, I can just picture the appy foiling you at your own plan. Possum will frequently do this to me too. Ohhh you have to come to Maine. Do you know where in the state you are going? I'm in the Oxford Hills area, near Lewiston. If your in southern Maine you need to stop and check out a really nice and big tack shop, Double G. They have western and english things along with tons of saddles and even a bargain section of used stuff. It's located in Lebanon Maine, right on the NH border. let me know when your plans become more final.
Laura, Rusty was just sharing the love with you! hehehehe He was wet, and wanted you to feel it too.... No? OK... so maybe he just wanted to mess with your head some ;)
Oooooo When you guys head to NC let us know!! Y'all wont be too terribly far from my neck of the woods then!
Isn't that always the way? Just when you think they're going to cooperate they instead make you work harder. lol (or wetter, or become inconvenienced)
Hey are those your boots?? They are really cute!
I want a pair of those. Would go so well with our weather here the past few years...
OH and have fun in NYC!! I hope its a blast!
Naughty Rusty! hehe Poor Mom!
You have SO got to video his peppermint tongue sucking. I bet it's so cute!
Baby Doll spits out a peppermint when I ty to give them to her. She's wierd! lol!
My brother lives in New Hampshire, but the only thing I know aboutthe area is good hiking in the White Mountains...and Maple Syrup!
We lived near Charlotte, NC for 7 years so I do know about that area. There is a huge castle-like mansion called the Biltmore in Asheville, NC that is very worth seeing if you enjoy history and beautiful architecture.
They also have an amazing hore barn nearby where you can rent horses and ride over the beautiful countrside.
And if you like theme parks, roller coasters a water park there is Carowinds on the SC/NC border about 30 mins south of Concord. When we lived there we'd buy season passes and go several times a week since we only lived 15 mins away.
So fun!!
I don't know of any tack stores in the area. It's not a huge horse friendly locale, but if you want to see, ride or shop there is always Aiken, SC, only about 2 1/2 hrs south of Concord, NC.
Aiken is a horse city. Most of their neighborhoods are set up for horses with trails, facilities, etc. All of their parks offer trails for horses and especially hunter/jumper events and driving.
There might even be an event when you are visiting Concord.
Well, I've blabbed way too much.
How exciting...vacations!! Maybe one day you'll make it to New Mexico!
~Lisa
word verification: wayspa
Thanks for the travel tips!! I'm hoping to make it more west next time around...
Steph - they aren't my boots, but I'm seriously thinking about trying to order them!
Yes you must get a video of Rusty and his peppermints! I've known a couple of horses to do that and it is quite funny!
What a bad pony to make you walk in the puddle of mud, Less doesn't care much when I whack his butt either.
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